Rats that have been spotted by residents chewing holes through bins. (Image: Loughborough Echo)

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RATS have been caught chewing holes through bins at student accommodation in Loughborough.

Vermin were spotted scuttling through the bins at the Kingfisher Halls student housing in Forest Road, Loughborough.

Residents complained about the infestation to councillors and now Charnwood Borough Council’s pest control team says it has removed waste from the area and increased the number of bins for the flats.

The issue was raised by Coun Ted Parton, at a full meeting of Charnwood Borough Council, saying: “Super-size rats have been spotted scuttling across the road into the bins near the property and worried residents have asked what is going to be done about it.

“I have seen the rats running in and out of the bins and it is a real health risk for everyone living in the area.”

Rubbish left at Kingfisher Halls student accommodation in Loughborough that has lead to an infestation of rats. (Image: Loughborough Echo)

Fellow ward councillor, Coun Paul Mercer, shared a letter of complaint with the Echo that he says a resident of Forest Road, Loughborough, sent to Student Beehive (the company that owns the accommodation).

The letter states: “Over the last few weeks we have regularly seen rats running backwards and forwards across the drive of Forest Road and into the hedge behind the bin stores.

“More recently we have seen rats running from the bins to plants alongside the main building at Kingfisher Court, also running away from the bins down the driveway into the plants to the side of the garage at the rear of 65 Forest Road.

“There are holes in the sides of the bins where rats have obviously chewed the plastic to gain access to the waste.

Holes in bins that rats have chewed through in Forest Road, Loughborough. (Image: Loughborough Echo)

“There is also the ongoing problem of food waste not being put into the bins properly by the students, the bags that they leave near the bins are being ripped open by the rats and the waste is then blowing all over.

“This is an eyesore for all of us that live nearby and for anyone walking along Forest Road.

“I assume you would agree that the rats cannot be left to multiply on the site and would be really grateful to understand the plans you have to deal with them.”

Rats have been spotted by residents in Forest Road, Loughborough chewing holes through bins at student accommodation. (Image: Loughborough Echo)

Rats that have been spotted by residents chewing holes through bins. (Image: Loughborough Echo)

Rats have been spotted by residents in Forest Road, Loughborough chewing holes through bins at student accommodation. (Image: Loughborough Echo)

The Echo contacted the Student Beehive accommodation company, but at the time of publication a response was yet to be received.

A spokesperson from Charnwood Borough Council said: “We have removed the waste from the area of Forest Road where the concerns were raised and our pest control team are also treating the area to deal with the rodent issue. We have increased the number of bins for the flats where the issue had been raised and we would like to remind customers not to leave side waste next to the bins as we will not collect it.”